Green Flash cans three beers, we prepare to drink said canned beer

There is certainly something to the click and hiss of a can opening that everyone loves. The love doesn’t stop there. Cans’ inherent durability is ideal for consumers who enjoy active lifestyles and want to take their favorite drinks with them without the risk of the container breaking. Cans chill faster and stay colder longer than other packaging. Environmentally conscious consumers might speak to the ease with which aluminum cans are able to be recycled. And do we have to mention that cans are hermetically sealed?

Well, we did anyway.

Green Flash Brewing Co. seems to be crushing on cans. Co-Founder and CEO Mike Hinkley recently announced the national and year-round debut of three new Green Flash beers in 12-ounce cans as an extension of its existing packaged beer assortment. With orders shipping to all U.S. distribution partners beginning in May, six-packs of Jibe Session IPA, Passion Fruit Kicker (a fruited American Wheat Ale) and Sea to Sea Zwickel Lager will hit store shelves in June.

“My father worked in aluminum can production plants for almost fifty years,” Hinkley said. “From the time I was a boy, I knew how to identify the markings on a can of Coke, Pepsi or Budweiser, and be able to tell if my dad made the cans. I took a lot of pride in that. My dad is retired now, but it is very cool to see my dad drink Green Flash from a can.”

How much is Green Flash canning these days?

Good question: According to the press release, Green Flash plans to produce 18,000 cases in 2016, up from 2,000 cases in 2015. That’s still not that much. With limited canning abilities available, Green Flash estimates that cans will make up just 1 percent of the total packaged beer sold this year, but that percentage is expected to increase when the company installs a permanent canning solution. Green Flash first introduced cans with Jibe Session IPA in September 2015, to an extremely limited distribution in only a few states. The reception from consumers was overwhelmingly positive, and they are now expanding their offerings and rolling out national distribution.

What are these canned beers all about?

Jibe Session IPA is navigating the brand into new hop territory. Well-balanced, floral, citrus and vibrant hop character defines our idea of what a perfect session ale should be. At 4 percent ABV, this session is so good, we are trimming our sails and riding the wind.